Skoda Enyaq iV review

• For: Practical, clever design, impressive range
• Against: Dull to drive, high-spec versions get expensive
• Verdict: An electric car that fits easily into family life

Enyaq. It’s one of those made-up words designed to appeal to Google (see also: Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq), but there’s substance behind the marketing sheen. Indeed, Skoda’s latest SUV might be the most sensible electric car on sale.

As you’ve probably guessed, the Enyaq iV is Skoda’s version of the Volkswagen ID.4 – the reigning World Car of the Year. It’s a large family SUV, similar in size to the Kodiaq, but without the option of seven seats.

With prices starting from almost £35,000, the Enyaq doesn’t qualify for the government’s £1,500 Plug-in Car Grant. However, it offers more for your money than the rival VW, as per Skoda tradition, plus plenty of thoughtful design touches. These include built-in cleaning pads for the charging cable and mobile phone pockets on the backs of the headrests.

The starter 60 model has a 58kWh battery and offers range of 256 miles. Stepping up to the Enyaq iV 80 brings a 77kWh battery and up to 330 miles of range. Using the standard 50kWh charging set-up fills the batteries from zero to 80 percent in an hour.

The interior of the Enyaq has a sleek, minimalist design. Many functions are accessed via the 13-inch central touchscreen, but it’s cleanly presented and generally easy to use. Thankfully, the glitchy, touch-sensitive controls of the ID.4 are nowhere to be seen.

Even the 60 version we tested feels brisk, with 179hp serving up 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds. You feel its substantial weight in corners, but the Enyaq rarely loses its composure. It rides well and is very refined – not least thanks to that smooth, whisper-quiet electric drivetrain.

If an electric car fits into your life (a home charging point is a must until the public network improves), the Skoda will likely fit very well indeed. Google it and go from there.

KEY INFO

• Launched: 2021
• Facelifted: TBC
• Due for replacement: TBC